NATO commander visits Israel with Ashkenazi

(JERUSALEM POST) — The Navy will dispatch a missile ship in the coming months to participate in a NATO mission to patrol the Mediterranean Sea and prevent weapons smuggling, Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and NATO Military Commander Admiral Giampaolo Di Paoloa decided Wednesday night.

/SNIP/ The timing of Di Paoloa’s visit was considered significant since it came at a time that the IDF is under increasing criticism in wake of the Goldstone Report on Operation Cast Lead as well as a decision by Turkey – a NATO member – to ban Israel from joint aerial exercises.